Daily ScriptureAlthough I [Paul] am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles [us!] the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (Ephesians 3:8-9 & 11-12)Daily ReflectionThe 6th of January, Twelfth Night, “Epiphany” in the church calendar. What is Epiphany; what is it that we are meant to be thinking about? The word means: “a sudden or great revelation or realisation”. More specifically, for the Church, it is, “the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi” (the Wise Men, presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby.)Here is the very simple, profound truth: this baby – this man - is the Son of God; born as you were. Think about the enormity of that for a moment; think what God has done. This gift is for everyone; it is for you. The author J.K.Rowling, said, “There's nothing better when something comes and hits you and you think 'YES!'”May you realise that about God today. Revd David
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Daily Scripture:When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained,What is man, that you should be mindful of him; the son of man, that you should seek him out? (Psalm 8, 4-5)Daily Reflection:There is much more evidence for the Bible being the truth, than there is against it. Whether God created the world in 6 days doesn't really matter - it's the fact that he created it FOR US that is so awe inspiring. Against the vast and beautiful array of stars and planets in the sky, we might feel very small and insignificant. But that isn't what God thinks of us... actually we are his greatest creation and his greatest joy.The Psalm above tells us that He "seeks us out". When might God have been trying to seek you out? He will keep trying, because he loves you. Next time something happens that you think might be 'strange' or a 'coincidence', be mindful that God who made the heavens and the earth could be trying to get your attention! Vicki Young
Daily ScriptureO God,who by the leading of a starmanifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:mercifully grant that we,who know you now by faith,may at last behold your glory face to face;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. (Church of England Collect Prayer for Epiphany)Daily ReflectionIt is thought, that the star leading the wise men has again been spotted this Christmas, namely the aligning in the night sky of two bright planets, Jupiter and Saturn. As the astronomers of old were led to a remarkable birth in an unexpected location, so can we let the “Star of Wonder” lead us to ponder God’s remarkable plan. By sending his Son, his ONLY Son, to live among us God showed us the extent of his love for all the Earth. His Son was not rich, or famous at his birth. The wise men found God in a small poor child and were overjoyed! We can find our purpose in loving and protecting that which is small, or looks insignificant, as God’s glory is revealed in unexpected places! Revd Ylva
